Aston Villa will host a Champions League match for the first time in nearly 42 years against Bayern Munich this evening, live on talkSPORT.
Unai Emery‘s side will battle Bayern Munich in a repeat of the 1982 European Cup final which remains their crowning glory.
Villa won the European Cup in 1982 when they beat Bayern MunichGetty Images – Getty
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Villa famously beat the German giants 1-0 in Rotterdam to become champions of the continent for the first (and to date only) time.
The following season was their last among Europe’s elite for over four decades until the club returned to the big-time this campaign.
During their absence, Bayern have doubled the three Champions League titles that they had in 1982 to cement their status as a European powerhouse.
Vincent Kompany‘s men underlined their credentials as favourites for a seventh trophy with an emphatic 9-2 win over Dinamo Zagreb in their opening tie.
However, Villa only trail Bayern by goal difference under the new-look Champions League format having easily beaten Young Boys.
Aston Villa vs Bayern Munich: Kane and able
The Bavarians are sweating on the fitness of Harry Kane after he suffered an ankle injury during the 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.
The England captain became the highest English goalscorer in Champions League history on matchday one and will relish the chance to extend his record upon his return home.
His individual stats against former Premier League rivals Villa suggest the 31-year-old will more than fancy his chances.
Kane has been directly involved in seven goals in six career appearances against Aston Villa at Villa Park (five goals, two assists).
Indeed, as a Tottenham player, he’s scored the game-winning goal at Villa Park on two previous occasions, netting a 90th-minute winner in November 2014 and both goals in a 2-0 victory there in March 2016.
Half of Kane’s career defeats to Villa came in his final season at Spurs
Aston Villa vs Bayern Munich: Team news
The home side will continue to be without influential captain John McGinn after he’s missed two matches with a hamstring injury.
Villa are still missing Matty Cash, and long-term absentees Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara are not ready to feature.
The visitors are expected to have Kane available but have a trio of other injury concerns ahead of the trip to Villa Park.
Sacha Boey and Josip Stanisic are sidelined with knee injuries, while summer signing Hiroki Ito also remains unavailable.
Kane received treatment before hobbling off in the 86th minuteGetty
Aston Villa vs Bayern Munich: What has been said?
Three Lions skipper Kane claimed he expected to be able to play after the Leverkusen game, revealing: “It was painful, but it’s not too bad.
“We’ll investigate it further tomorrow, but I expect that I’ll be able to play against Aston Villa.”
Meanwhile, Villa boss Emery claimed that his side can’t complain about Bayern having more recovery time.
“We are going to suspend the match on Wednesday and we are not going to play,” Emery joked.
“What do we want? We want to play in Europe. We want to get the same level like other teams like City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United, Newcastle and Tottenham.
“If we don’t want it then we don’t play in Europe and we rest in the week. Fantastic for everybody. It is the challenge we have. The players, myself, the supporters, even the journalists!
“We are going to be tired, this is the level. Man City played at this level for 10 years, Liverpool for 20 years. If we don’t want to play at this level, then we don’t play in Europe and we will be comfortable playing for the top 10.
“This is our challenge and my demands as well. On Wednesday we are going to be fantastic.”
Villa marked their return to Europe’s elite in styleGetty
Aston Villa vs Bayern Munich: talkSPORT coverage
This Champions League clash will take place on Wednesday, October 2.
talkSPORT will have live coverage from Villa Park, presented by Adrian Durham.
Commentary will come from Jim Proudfoot and former Aston Villa captain Andy Townsend.
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.
You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
talkSPORT.com will also have you covered in our dedicated Champions League live blog.
